MINISTER MACLEOD RELEASES WHITE PAPER CONSULTATION

This week, Minister Lisa MacLeod launched a consultation on a new policy white paper which will inform a future five-year strategy for the tourism industry in Ontario. The white paper includes 15 action items to support recovery in 2021 and beyond, many of which impact Toronto as a gateway city and hub for tourism, business events, culture and entertainment.

We encourage all stakeholders to provide their feedback on the white paper and to share ideas with the ministry. Email MHSTCIRoadmapforRecovery@ontario.ca with your feedback today. 

REMEMBERING CHARLOTTE BELL

It’s with great sadness that we share the news that Tourism Industry Association of Canada President and CEO, Charlotte Bell, passed away peacefully over the weekend surrounded by her family. Charlotte was a valued colleague and friend to many in the industry and her loss will be felt by all.

TIAC’s Board Chair, Dave McKenna shared that, “In accordance with Charlotte’s and her family’s wishes, there will be no public memorial or service and they kindly asked that any donation be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.”

Please join all of us at Destination Toronto in extending our deepest condolences to Charlotte’s family, friends, colleagues and those she’s touched throughout her life and career. 

DESTINATION ONTARIO LAUNCHES #SUPPORTLOCAL CAMPAIGN

This week, Destination Ontario launched their new ‘Support Local’ campaign. This campaign aims to ensure that the experiences in our local communities are there for visitors from around the world when the time is right to travel again.

The new campaign will launch on TV, radio, digital and social media starting mid-December and run until mid-January 2021. 

Join the campaign online by showcasing how you’re supporting local using #SupportLocal and tagging @ontariotravel.

COALITION OF HARDEST HIT BUSINESSES – SEND A LETTER TO YOUR MP TODAY

The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses is comprised of businesses in the tourism, travel, hospitality, arts, festivals and business events sectors.  The Coalition is asking stakeholders to send a letter to their local Member of Parliament, needing at least 500 letters sent to MPs this week. It will take less than 1 minute to send using the pre-populated letter available on the Hardest Hit Coalition site.

Send a letter to your MP today to ensure that Toronto’s voice is well-represented and heard.

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS: 

Ontario extends infectious disease emergency leave: The Ontario Government announced that the “COVID-19 Period” and the temporary relief measures have been extended until July 3, 2021. These measures deem a non-union employee to be on an infectious disease emergency leave rather than temporary lay-off were set to expire in January. The extension protects jobs by helping businesses avoid payouts and potential closures and allows for continued protection to workers laid off due to COVID.

U.S. border closure extended: This week, the Canadian and U.S. governments agreed to keep our border closed until January 21.

Vaccine roll-out continues: 168,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine are expected to be in Canada by the end of the year, adding to the 500,000 Pfizer doses. In total, six million Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are expected to be delivered to Canada by the end of March.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Collision 2021 to go virtual: This week, the tech conference Collision announced that it will be going virtual again in 2021. The conference went virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic. We look forward to once again welcoming the world’s tech community in Toronto in 2022 and 2023.

Toronto History Museums launches virtual Awakenings program: The City of Toronto announced the Awakenings program – a virtual series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour. Awakenings is a new program featuring art projects that explore untold stories, awaken a new perspective and invite the public to join the conversation.

Help name the Zoo’s new baby zebra: The Toronto Zoo welcomed an endangered male Grevy's zebra foal to mom Tori and dad Jake. Growing steadily, this little #BBZeeBee needs a name! In keeping with the tradition of naming the Grevy’s zebra offspring after Star Wars inspired names. The name with the most votes will be announced on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.